In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable logistics, Strawson Ltd, a leading UK farming business specialising in carrots and parsnips, has completed a successful trial using electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) to transport fresh produce to Sainsbury’s Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs). This innovative project underscores a shared commitment between Strawson Ltd and Sainsbury’s to reduce carbon emissions across their supply chains and sets a new standard for environmentally friendly agricultural and food logistics.
The trial involved the transport of temperature-sensitive produce from Strawson Ltd’s storage and packing facility near Newark to Sainsbury’s RDCs, 7 days a week, carried in refrigerated trailers using Voltloader’s fully electric HGVs. Voltloader also provided the charging capability for the truck ensuring it was always ready for the next load. The trial also included a SunSwap fully electric refrigeration unit, powered by solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer.
Initial results from the trial have exceeded expectations, with the electric fleet achieving an impressive reduction of over 19 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles, alongside the reduction of other harmful pollutants. The electric refrigeration unit also contributed significantly.
Gavin Hodgson, Director of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Horticulture at Sainsbury’s, said:
“We believe partnership in the food system is key to addressing some of the issues of climate change and are constantly looking for ways to collaborate in order to achieve this and to minimise agricultural disruption. Facilitated by our supplier Strawson Ltd, this trial of Voltloader’s electric HGVs to transport our crops is a great example of reducing carbon emissions in our operations and shows what we can achieve through long term partnerships.”
